Sometimes I still find it hard to believe I was in Europe last month. I still feel like I could just head out the door and go on a walk to my favorite gelato shop. I expect to look out the window and see double-decker red buses
...and I don't. I
definitely struggle to figure out which way to look when crossing the street.
My beloved cousin/Siamese twin is doing a study abroad in England now, and I am nostalgic! I especially miss Sweden. Shout out to the Helgessons...you're the neatest family I've ever stayed with!
I still can't bring myself to buy an American candy bar. Speaking of which...
I finally lost all the British-chocolate-and-pastries weight I had gained there. As much as I love souveneirs, I could do without those pounds. I get to see my sisters soon and give them the fun presents I gave them. I wear my London shirts with pride. Queen Elizabeth II is my new favorite celebrity.
How do you follow a
vacation Vigorous Study Program like
that? Well, summer has been pretty awesome. I'm still 100% burned out with school and am not looking forward to taking classes again –yet. I love just working and going swimming or going running whenever I please. And
reading! I've read so many books already this summer and I'm constantly hungry for more. Right now I'm reading
The Infinite Atonement by Tad R. Callister, a break from my typical novel. The summer has been full with family reunions
A wild rodeo with Gabe (my
first rodeo)
Birthdays......well, maybe just my birthday. But it was a great one!! I am really good at helping my mom cook in the kitchen.
Okay, I should probably stick to blowing out candles. 20 candles is a LOT more than 19. Just saying....
Another highlight of my summer....Mom is done with treatments! No more chemo, no more radiation. One surgery left, and a crummy chemo pill she has to take every day for the next
5 years! But we're so grateful she is happy and healthy. My mom is amazing. In case you are wondering how she made the delicious cake pictured above, I documented the process with pictures. Comment if you want me to share!
This summer would not be complete without missionary homecomings, crazy late-night movie girl dates, midnight breakfast escapades with coworkers, and visits from friends in Cali!!!!
Thank you, sun, for returning my skin to its rightful –tan– pigment. And thank you, 95 degree weather. I'd forgotten how to sweat.
